Understanding Bird Flu and How to Respond
 What is the Bird Flu Virus?
The Bird Flu is a natural virus which occurs in wild and migratory birds; and is especially common in waterfowl, shorebirds, ducks, turkey, chickens. The flu may also affect other animals such as pigs, cats, whales, horses and seals.
Some other names for the bird flu are Avian, bird influenza and H5N1.
H5N1 is the more deadly one and should be of highest concern.
 H5N1 mutates rapidly and its ability to cause severe diseases in humans has been documented at various occasions. Additionally, it is deemed more harmful as the birds survive this infection for at least 10 days and continue to excrete virus orally and in feces, thus further spreading to other birds, live poultry and by migrating birds.
Infected birds can shed the virus through bodily fluids, including saliva, nasal secretions, feces to other birds and animals, but rarely to humans. Many people who catch the bird flu live or work closely with infected birds, and handle these animals frequently.
Exposure to Humans:
Most humans who are affected by the bird flu virus are located in rural or semi-rural areas, where a number of households have birds and other domestic animals in close proximity and even in their homes.
Humans are most susceptible to the virus if exposed during slaughtering, de-feathering, and preparing of poultry for food.
It has not been confirmed that properly cooked poultry can be a source of infection.
What is a Pandemic?
A pandemic is an epidemic caused by a new virus, for which there is no known cure or immunity, nor any vaccines/medications available. A pandemic can easily spread from person-to-person across continents and countries. This would also be considered a global disease outbreak.
Although the current bird flu virus does not spread easily, it could change into a form that easily transmits from person-to-person. Prerequisites state that the probability of a pandemic is high as long as this virus continues to circulate in birds, while neither the timing nor the severity can be predicted.
Virus Symptoms in Birds:
United States Department of Agriculture has provided some information on the symptoms of the flu on birds:
- Sudden death with any clinical reasoning
- Loss of hunger and weakness
- Soft, de-shaped or low production of eggs
- Swelling of the head, eyelids, comb, wattles and hocks
- Purple discoloration of the wattles, combs, and legs
- Nasal discharges
- Coughing and sneezing
- Lack of coordination
- Diarrhea
Signs of Pandemic:
The most serious and noticeable signs of the pandemic spread will be when groups of people show symptoms of the influenza (all within a short timeframe), and they are in close proximity of each other. This will prove that human-to-human transmission may have started.
Detection of cases in health workers caring for H5N1 patients, would also suggest human-to-human transmission.
Symptoms in Humans:
Illness may develop within one to five days of exposure to the virus. Sometimes the only indication of the virus is a mild eye infection. More often, signs and symptoms of the bird flu virus resembles those of normal flu; these include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Muscle pain
- Sore throat
People with virulent type of Bird Flu Virus-H5N1 may develop life-threatening complications, such as viral pneumonia and acute respiratory distress; this would most commonly end in flu-related death.
What actions do I take if I notice the bird flu symptoms?
Consult with a doctor if you have the above stated flu symptoms and if you have recently traveled to parts of the world where the bird flu virus exists. Inform the doctor of all symptoms, places you have traveled, and if you were exposed to farms and open-air markets.
Doctors can test you for influenza, but cannot distinguish between the bird flu virus and other influenza virus. A specimen of the virus has to be sent to the state health labs or the Center for Disease Control and Prevention for analysis.
Pandemic Flu Planning and Preparation for families and individuals:
Individuals and family members can prepare for the Pandemic flu much before time. You should be prepared and understand the magnitude of what could happen in times of a global outbreak, and what actions you need to take to minimize the impact. This checklist will help you prepare in the case of a Pandemic flu:
- Store a two week supply, if not more, of water and food. Remember that during a Pandemic panic stores may either be closed or out of supplies.
- Keep continuous stock of all your prescription drugs in your home.
- Keep nonprescription drugs and other health supplies on hand; including pain relievers, stomach remedies, cold and cough medications, fluids with electrolytes, and vitamins.
- Talk with family members and loved ones about this foreseeable disaster, they should be knowledgeable about it.
- Volunteer with local community groups and assist them with emergency response.
- You should have at least one landline phone set at home. Also keep a battery-operated radio with extra back-up batteries.
 Limit the Spread of Germs and Prevent Infection:
- Teach your family members to wash their hands frequently with soap and water.
- Teach your family members to cover their coughs and sneeze in tissues.
- Teach your family members to stay away from others, whenever possible, if they are sick; stay home from work and school if you are sick.
Examples of Food and Non-perishable Items:
- Ready-to-eat canned meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, beans, and soups.
- Protein and fruit bars, dry cereal, granola, dried-fruits, crackers, canned juices, bottled water, canned or jarred baby food and formula, pet food, and etc.
Examples of Medical, Health, and Emergency Supplies:
- Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood-pressure monitoring equipment
- Soap and water, alcohol based hand wash, cleaning agents
- Medicines for fever such as, Tylenol, Advil, Motrin, and etc.
- Thermometer, reading glasses
- Anti-diarrhea medication
- Vitamins
- Portable radio, flashlight, extra batteries
- Manual can opener
- Wrench/pliers to turn off utilities
- Garbage bags
- Tissues/toilet paper
- Disposable diapers
- Dust masks
Family Emergency Health Information Sheet: (download sheet)
You may need to provide as much information as possible about your medical history if a mass vaccination clinic is setup; especially if you have a serious health condition or allergy. This information sheet will become very useful in a pandemic crisis.
Emergency Plan:
Make an emergency plan with your family. Keep important phone numbers handy; i.e. work, school/daycare, neighbors, and/or other numbers you consider important.
In an emergency your family may be at different locations so it’s important to plan out methods of contact and communication as well.
For More Information Visit:
Important contact information:
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention hotline number: 1-800-CDC-INFO is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in English and Spanish. Questions can be e-mailed to cdcinfo@cdc.gov.
Compiled by www.cpraedcourse.com.
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